Cordless game controller system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to interfacing a plurality of user manipulable input devices with a host device using a more simplified and convenient setup for the user. In one embodiment, a system of user manipulable devices for interfacing with a host device comprises a first user manipulable device which is configured to be operatively connected with the host device to interface with the host device to transfer data between the first user manipulable device and the host device and produce sensory feedback to a user. A second user manipulable device is configured to interface wirelessly with the first user manipulable device to transfer data between the second user manipulable device and the host device via the first user manipulable device and produce sensory feedback to the user. The first user manipulable device and the second user manipulable device are manipulable by the same user.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system of user manipulable devices for interfacing with a host device, the system comprising: 
 a first user manipulable device which is configured to be operatively connected with the host device to interface with the host device to transfer data between the first user manipulable device and the host device and produce sensory feedback to a user; and    a second user manipulable device which is configured to interface wirelessly with the first user manipulable device to transfer data between the second user manipulable device and the host device via the first user manipulable device and produce sensory feedback to the user, wherein the first user manipulable device and the second user manipulable device are manipulable by the same user.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first user manipulable device is configured to process the data received from the second user manipulable device and present the data of the first and second user manipulable devices to the host device as signals from a single device.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first and second user manipulable devices are game controller devices.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the first user manipulable device comprises one of a wheel and a pedal apparatus, and the second user manipulable device comprises another one of the wheel and the pedal apparatus.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the first user manipulable device comprises one of a joystick and a throttle, and the second user manipulable device comprises another one of the joystick and the throttle.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first user manipulable device is configured to be connected to the host device to receive power from the host device.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first user manipulable device is configured to be connected to the host device via a USB connection.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the second user manipulable device is configured to interface wirelessly with the first user manipulable device by infrared, radio frequency, or ultrasound.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the sensory feedback comprises at least one of visual feedback, audio feedback, and force feedback.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the second user manipulable device is cordless.  
     
     
         11 . A system of user manipulable devices for interfacing with a host device, the system comprising: 
 a first user manipulable device which is configured to be operatively connected with the host device to interface with the host device to transfer data between the first user manipulable device and the host device and produce sensory feedback to a user; and    a second user manipulable device which is configured to interface wirelessly with the first user manipulable device to transfer data between the second user manipulable device and the host device via the first user manipulable device and produce sensory feedback to the user, wherein the first user manipulable device and the second user manipulable device are game controller devices for playing a game in the host device by the user.    
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the first user manipulable device is configured to be connected to the host device via a wired connection.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the first user manipulable device is configured to be connected to the host device via a USB connection.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the first user manipulable device is configured to process the data received from the second user manipulable device and present the data of the first and second user manipulable devices to the host device as signals from a single device.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the first user manipulable device comprises one of a wheel and a pedal apparatus, and the second user manipulable device comprises another one of the wheel and the pedal apparatus.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the first user manipulable device comprises one of a joystick and a throttle, and the second user manipulable device comprises another one of the joystick and the throttle.  
     
     
         17 . A method of interfacing with a host device via a plurality of user manipulable devices, the method comprising: 
 transmitting data generated in a second user manipulable device by a user to a first user manipulable device wirelessly;    transmitting data generated in the first user manipulable device by the user and the data received from the second user manipulable to the host device via a wired connection between the first user manipulable device and the host device; and    processing the data received by the host device from the first user manipulable device via the wired connection to provide sensory feedback to the user.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising processing the data received by the first manipulable device from the second user manipulable device and presenting the data of the first and second manipulable devices to the host device as signals from a single device.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the first and second user manipulable devices are game controller devices which are manipulable by the same user.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising transmitting power from the host device to the first user manipulable device.